Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-07-27
GREEN RIVER VALLEY
Becomes Transformed Into a White
Capped Lake-The Roads Filled With
BOulders and Vast Quantities of Earth.
GREAT BARRINaroN.

GREAT DARLINGTON, Mass, July 26.
careful inspection of the flooded areas
shows that devastation has been more wide
spread than has been reported, while it is
claimed the loss in this section will aggregate
not less than $4,000. More water fell and
farming lands and roads have a worse ap-
pearance than was the case during and after
the disastrous flood at Lee last year.
When the cloud burst the air seemed TO be
filled with water and in very short time the
valley became transformed into q white
capped lake. Today the roads in Green Val
ley are filled with boulders and vast quanti-
ties of earth washed down from the hillsides,
and are impossible for carriages.
The highways near Austerlitz is blocked
with hugh boulders and the meadows are still
covered with water. In this vicinity is Har-
vey's grist mill which was badly damaged by
the food. Nearly all the crops in the valley
were destroyed and it will take years to res
tore to the land its former fertility so deeply
is it covered with stones and sand brought
down by numerous land slides.
One Of these slides was 40 yards wide and
$50 feet high. 1t carried thousands of tons
of earth and hugh rocks down the ravine into
the roadway near here and across the high
way into the fields beyond. The torrent
rushed dswn upon the north side of John
Stoddard's house, flowing in at the windows,
and the family took refuge in the upper
stories, where they awaited their rescue in
great peril.
The rescue was accomplished in a thrilling
manner by two neighbors. One of the two o
lowered the other down the ravine, toward
the house, by means of a rope which was
thrown over limb of tree on the other side
of the torrent
This being fastened, the two men crossed
the ravine hand over hand, and reaching the
house, finally rescued the entire family. The
house stills stand in a tottering condition,
with part of the foundation washed away.
La Pierre's house little further down
stream, had several feet of water on the low
er floors and was badly damaged.
Farmer Hinckley, the next neighbor, had
one barn completely destroyed, while the
other was turned over on its foundation and
badly damaged.
At one point Glen River formed new
channel in the roadway, carrying the bridge
away with it.
Some distance below here brook became
swollen filling the highway with rocks and
trees.
Peter Dunn's house on this creek was bad.
ly damaged and many head of cattle were
drowned along the stream.
Williams bridge across the trook, usually
ten feet above water, was swept away, the
abutments being entirely destroyed. Whole
portions of its woodworks are lodged in tree
tops in the vicinity. Stoddard's dam was car
ried away and the flume injured but his mill
was saved. All along the brook fields of
grain and corn were washed away and the
land covered with stone and debris.
In North Edgemont many fences were
swept away and the crops almost entirely des-
troyed Although the damage to property
was very great, the reports Of the great loss
of lite have been exaggerated. The only
body found is that of Mr.. Drum of Coryville.
1t is stated that in Hillsdale, just over the
line in New York State, not a mill is left
standing or in working order.
Two hundred and fifty travellers are at the
Waterville hotels. The Maine Central Rail-
road Co. have forwarded orders to pay all
bills of passengers at the hotels. 1t is said
here that trains cannot pass until Wednesd sday